The County Extension Director serves as a regular, full time, 12 month academic professional staff member with primary responsibility for providing leadership to and communicating the educational mission of the local multi-county unit and University of Illinois Extension. The primary responsibilities of the County Extension Director are local program leadership, personnel management, interpersonal effectiveness, organizational leadership and development, fiscal management and facilities management. The County Extension Director is the local representative of University of Illinois Extension and is responsible for facilitating and establishing relationships with diverse audiences, and collaborating and partnering with people to improve the lives of individuals and the communities in which they live. The County Extension Director is also responsible for marketing and promoting University of Illinois Extension and its educational programs. The County Extension Director fosters sensitivity to the needs of diverse audiences while working with the local leadership in program planning. This position will demonstrate behaviors that reflect high levels of performance, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuing education and the letter and intent of University of Illinois Extension's mission.

This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.

Specific responsibilities of the County Extension Director are as follows:

Personnel Management:

Provide administrative supervision of all unit staff including educators and civil service employees.

Ensure that job descriptions are developed and that annual performance appraisals of academic and non-academic staff in the unit are held and documented. Performance evaluations of academic staff will be a shared responsibility with Regional Directors and/or Program Leaders.

Participate in the County Director professional development program offerings and seek additional opportunities to maintain professional competence.

Facilitate the professional development of all staff in the unit.

Assist and collaborate with unit staff to develop a plan for recruitment, training, support and recognition of volunteers.

Implement and comply with University of Illinois and Extension policies and rules, federal and state personnel regulations, and labor contracts.

Conduct staff and unit team meetings as appropriate to enhance team performance.

Fiscal Management:

Prepare budget, operate within budget guidelines, assure funds are distributed in accordance with fiscal policies and requirements and oversee all grants to the unit.

Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with University of Illinois and Extension policies and reporting requirements.

Work with the Extension Council, other volunteers and local entities to educate stakeholders of the value of University of Illinois Extension's programs in order to secure financial resources for the unit.

Ensure that adequate funds are available to meet the financial and human resource goals of the unit.

Facilities Management:

Provide leadership in securing adequate field office facilities, including off-site facilities as necessary.

To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served, and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. A valid drivers license is preferred. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, lifting and moving items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements.

Administrative Relationship: County Extension Directors are administratively responsible to the Regional Director.

Qualifications:

Required: Master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Appropriate fields of study include Adult and Continuing Education, Public Administration, Educational Leadership, Business Administration, Community Development, Communications, Extension Education, or other fields related to the subject matter emphasis. Candidates with a Master's degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date. At least 3-5 years of supervisory experience within a complex organization with a high volume/time sensitive workload. Experience in shared decision making and working collaboratively in a team environment. Experiences with human resource/personnel related activities. Experience with the use of standard office technology/software and similar management tools. Experience in the management of fiscal and budgetary matters. Knowledge of skills needed to work and supervise in communities with different cultural and social backgrounds.

Preferred: Experience in needs assessment, program development/delivery, teaching, marketing, and/or program evaluation. Experience in the area of grant management and developing external funding opportunities. Experience with facilities management.

Additional Information

The position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenure academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Generous vacation and sick leave. State Universities Retirement System. Group health, dental, vision and life insurance.

Application Procedure: To apply, go to http://go.illinois.edu/A1700351. Log in to your account and upload a cover letter and resume, as well as the names and contact information of three professional references. Resume dates must be in month/year format and employment history, at a minimum, should include all work dating back to the completion of your undergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must be noted as being part-time. Transcripts may be requested at a later date. To receive full consideration, all requested application materials must be submitted via the online system by the close date of July 7, 2017.

For further information about the position please contact Ryan Hobson at rhobson@illinois.edu. For technical assistance with the online application process, call 217-333-6747 or email jobs@illinois.edu.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO. To learn more about the University's commitment to diversity, please visit http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu

College Name or Administrative Unit: ACES - Extension Category: Academic Professional Title: County Extension Director - University of Illinois Extension (A1700351) Open Date: 06/09/2017 Close Date: 07/07/2017 Organization Name: Administration